SVA Forum

[rachel5]

Hi. I have a couple of questions....

Firstly, as a VA, would you say you generally get clients in your local area, or does distance have no effect? How far is your furthest client?

Secondly, have you used Elance? If so, how have you found working through there.

Thanks

Rachel

[caroline]

Hi Rachel

Generally I think it's easier for VAs to get local clients as (despite location being no boundary), it's easier for the clients to network locally and puts their mind at rest that you aren't sitting in a foreign call centre cloning their credit cards...

We have clients all over the UK, we chose not to work with clients outside of the UK for financial reasons.

I've used Elance to outsource some techy projects but I've never actually got a job on there. I know some people have had some success but have had to accept really low rates to compete with the offshore VAs. Personally, I have never gone with the cheapest quote - I have usually gone with the person who is most competent for the job, even if that means paying a little more.
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[maryamusman]

Hi Rachel,

Working with local or long distance clients depends a great deal on the flexibility you can offer in terms of your work timings and the kind of services you are offering to them.

If you want to work during day time, local clients would be ideal. If, however, you choose to work in evenings or late at night, you may consider working with overseas clients. I have always worked with overseas clients. All my clients are US or Canada based but most of them are never concerned with the time I choose to work on their assignments. They give me a deadline to complete my tasks and I choose my own hours to work.

As for Elance, I have never found a job there for myself but one of client used to find a lot of work through it.

Wish you all the best :)
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Maryam Usman
Virtual Administrative Assistant
Email: maryamshakil@gmail.com
Web: www.freelanceVA.webs.com